New school for Philadelphia

-Play Ground to be developed

-Information Technology Laboratory coming soon

-Canteen and Waiting Area for parents to be constructed

DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 26, 2018

Students and Staff of Philadelphia Primary School, are now housed in a state-of-the-art building constructed by the Regional Administration of Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, at a cost of little under $19M.

The school presently serves the communities of Philadelphia and Vergenoegen on the East Bank of Essequibo and has a student population of 195 along with nine teachers and a Graduate Headmistress.

At the recently held Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting, Headteacher Ronda Winter told an audience of more than 70 parents that the “ new building is very spacious and conducive to learning. Our pupils are in a very comfortable environment that is very child-friendly and I must thank my predecessor HM Beryl Charles whom I know represented the cause fully and because of her hard and diligent work my staff and I are enjoying a better environment.”

Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran in his address to the gathering noted that the new building is just the beginning of more to come for the communities of Philadelphia and Vergenoegen.

“Let me thank the PTA body for making representation for their communities. It was they who approached my office and detailed the state of the old structure. That caused my visit, and immediate measures were put in place to remedy the complaints. Your representation did not fall on deaf ears because your government understands the importance of an educated nation,” the REO said

Jaikaran also promised further developments to the school “… we are living in a technologically advanced world and I promise soon to make representation at the highest level for the construction of an Information Technology Lab. I will ensure the playfield is well-developed so that our pupils can enjoy a well-equipped recreational facility and I see also the need for a canteen and a waiting area for parents. All this will happen because our focus as a government is to improve education in our country in all its forms,” he said.

The REO also urged parents to be involved in all aspects of the development of the school and assist whenever there is a need. He noted that the maintenance and sustainability of the building depend heavily on the community’s involvement.

PTA Chairman Shireen Francis noted that the association is currently engaged in the construction of a stage for assembly and cultural celebrations of national observances, within the lower level of the building.

“We have a very active PTA body and our numbers here reflect that. Let me say that we are currently constructing a stage for multiple purposes that will benefit the school and we will continue to engage our communities for their active participation. Let me formally thank the government for this school and further thank them in advance of more to come. Indeed, when we look around we are seeing development and we must express appreciation for that,” Francis said.

The school was constructed over a four-month period and sits on the border of neighbouring villages Philadelphia and Vergenoegen.

Story and Images: Ganesh Mahipaul.